A slow drain is one of those household issues we all run into at some point. You may be tempted to just ignore it. After all, if the water eventually goes down, there’s no harm done – right? Actually, ignoring a slow drain can lead to bigger plumbing problems down the road, including water damage, clogs and complete backups in your sink. If you have a slow drain, here are a few of the reasons why you don’t want to let the issue linger.
Slow Drains Indicate a Blockage
Whether your sink or tub takes a few minutes or a few hours to fully drain, the slow speed means there’s something blocking water from leaving the pipes. Blockages might seem like minor issues, but they’re really the foundation of major plumbing problems. If not removed, a clog can continue to grow until your drain is completely blocked. Or it can even cause a pipe to leak or eventually burst.
You Could Be Exposed to Bacteria
There’s a reason you want the water to go down the drain. Letting it sit allows waterborne bacteria to multiply, which can contaminate your sink or shower. It’s a health hazard to be exposed to dirty water, and you don’t want to risk becoming ill.
The Repair Costs Can Be Higher If You Wait
There’s a reason plumbers urge customers to call them as soon as possible. Leaving issues like slow drains unchecked can cause serious damage later, resulting in thousands of dollars in both repair costs and water damage restoration. In serious cases, a pipe can burst and flood your entire bathroom or home. While it’s a good thing emergency plumbing repair exists, the higher cost makes it a frustration for many homeowners.
Mold Could Grow From Leaks
A clog that causes your pipe to leak could still be draining slowly, even as water escapes through the crack. The problem is that the extra water typically leads to mold growth behind walls, which have to be knocked out to remove the fungi. Mold is a major health risk that can cause serious illness. If you notice wet patches on the walls or a musty odor in your home along with slow drains, contact a professional right away.
Ignoring Problems Only Makes Them Worse
Even if the drain eventually clears, you’re not getting to the underlying issue by waiting around for the water to go down. You need to know why it’s moving so slowly if you want to avoid the headache of emergency blockages, water backing up or pipe damage. The longer you wait, the more damage you’ll likely have to face on top of the inconvenience of your drain not working.
The good news is that prompt attention to a slow drain can save you a lot of stress and money. Regular drain cleaning can prevent plumbing problems for years, so contact the team at Alabama Home Pros to give your pipes a squeaky-clean touch-up in Montgomery, AL.